Sorry for this long post, but I had a PM to post some pics. Not sure how to post pics in a PM and the space is limited so I decided to put it here.

The following is the removal of the steering rack/mechanism for a Steermaster helm and cable on an 84 Stars and Stripes. The write up is in reverse order...sorry for that....

In the last pic, you can see the slot for the key that is on the shaft in the coupler I removed and the key itself in my hand. That is the extent of the pics I took. I think next you need to remove the pressure fitted washer that is on the shaft with a pair of flat head screwdrivers. Then you remove the large allen bolt from the hole in the bottom side of the chrome house attached to the dash. Once this is done, the steering rack/mechanism will simply slide out of the back and you can pull it along with the cable all in one piece out together and work on them. Sorry if any of the pics I inserted are not working. If they are not, let me know and I will email them to you. I have never placed pics in a PM before so not sure I did it right.

You will see what I am talking about in the next few pics. I will do my best to describe what I am talking about.

In this one you can see me taking off the first piece of the steering wheel which is held on by a simple pressure. You can use your hand to remove. This exposes the center nut and three bolts which I mentioned before may have been as many as 5 (I forgot exactly how many)...http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u...k/DSC_0829.jpg

PineLakeRumble

05-09-2013 10:45 PM

6 Attachment(s)

Hey Mark,

I disappeared for a while. Here is the short version of how things played out last weekend.

After disassembling the steering wheel, steering column/box, and removing the steering cable (12 hard to reach zip ties under the floor!) from the boat it was time to remove the cable from the box. As you will see in the pictures, this was the moment the game changed. All of the parts (bushings, cable guide etc.) were in good shape...except for the main planetary gear that was in two pieces. Amazing that the steering was able to function at all with a two piece gear.

The gear is unavailable and I can't weld white metal. To be honest, taking the risk of a fix at this point feels like throwing good money after bad. Looks like the decision about which system to go with was made for me. Unless you have any other suggestions...Uflex it is.